Rocco Forte Open leaderboard 2018

Rocco Forte Open leaderboard 2018:

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You wait nearly 12 months for a Swedish winner on the European Tour, and then two come along in the space of three weeks.

The drought since Alex Noren won last year’s BMW PGA Championship was ended two weeks ago courtesy of Alexander Bjork, and now Joakim Lagergren enters the winner’s circle with his maiden win at the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open at the stunning Verdura Resort.

At one point, it seemed as though Lagergren had pushed past the final round jitters as he opened up a two-shot lead on the back-nine. But Mike Lorenzo-Vera – a runner-up at GolfSixes last week – was making very few mistakes and eventually reeled the Swede in with a birdie at the 17th.

Andy Sullivan could have set the clubhouse target with a birdie at the last, but his putt was left short. Lucas Bjerregaard also had a chance on the final hole, but the Dane’s tee shot sailed into an unplayable lie to end his chances.

The biggest move of the day came from Aussie youngster Lucas Herbert, who fired a 63 to finish on 15-under. But that would not be enough, as Lagergren and Lorenzo-Vera both parred the 18th to head to a play-off.

The Frenchman’s approach went long and left, while the Swede hit a beauty to within five feet, which he duly knocked in to claim the title.

Click here for Keel Timmins’ full round-up from Sicily